Military historians describe the battle of the Gate Pa

In 1990 Bob Burt and Alan Coster were interviewed by the Oral History Unit attached to the then Tauranga Museum. Bob was the Haurakai Regiment's commanding officer from 1979 - 1981 and Alan from 1970 - 1974. To hear the interview click the "Audio mp3" label above, or use the download link to download the entire interview (24 mb in size).

The interview lasted just under an hour. The topics covered are recorded below with approximate timestamp on the left. Colonel Bob Burt passed away in 2011. His widow gave permission to upload the interview in 2014, as did Colonel Alan Coster.

The difficulty of British weapons and efficacy of Maori tomahawks described.

Reserved ordered in but create confusion.

42:25 Battle described by Hori Ngatai.

44:50 Cameron begins earthworks from which another assault was intended the following day. The fate of rescuers into the Pa described. Samuel Mitchel (V.C.) rescued Commander Hay. Captain Glover. Surgeon Major Manley (V.C.).

46:25 The Maori stealthy withdrawal described.

47:36 The Casualties described.

49:09 Observation that no looting or mutilation of bodies undertaken.

An unusual show of humanity to the British wounded.

50:23 Who gave water to the wounded Lieutenant Colonel Booth? Heni Te Kiri Karamu.

52:14 Why the honorable conduct of Maori?

The battle of Te Ranga. The Code of Conduct discovered on the body of Taratoa signed by all Catholic Maori leaders of Tauranga.